In the acknowledgments of this book, Raynor states that it started as an "interesting idea for a blog post," and all things considered, it still readsIn the acknowledgments of this book, Raynor states that it started as an "interesting idea for a blog post," and all things considered, it still reads that way. That's not altogether a bad thing—in fact, I found the simplistic way of laying out the elements of the entrepreneurship journey easy to follow. Even while some parts (particularly, the real-world examples) felt a trifle idealistic.
My only gripe with this book is in terms of entrepreneurial principles, particularly from a Christian standpoint, this book doesn't necessarily offer anything new or completely paradigm-shifting. It mainly sticks to the same road of "do well for yourself by doing good for others" and "serve your customers by providing quality products/service." Which don't get me wrong, I agree wholeheartedly with those principles, I think I just expected something ... more. Who knows, maybe my time on the business track of the Author Conservatory has somewhat affected the way they came across as regurgitations of basic, biblical business practices rather than new and insightful knowledge. Or maybe I'm missing something completely.
Either way, if you're looking for a quick read that highlights the struggles and journeys of Christian creatives and entrepreneurs, I'd recommend this!...more
Got around halfway before deciding to DNF. While I originally was looking for something to read alongside Proverbs and gain more insight into the trutGot around halfway before deciding to DNF. While I originally was looking for something to read alongside Proverbs and gain more insight into the truths in each chapter, I found that a majority of the chapters in this book served as summaries of the chapters in Proverbs in a sort of watered-down, oversimplified format, such as defining basic words and using little vignettes from the author's life as examples (most of them being everyday interactions that I didn't find particularly insightful).
The writing style also felt very basic and lacked emotion, faintly reminiscent of middle school persuasive essays. It was just there, functioning as a way to argue basic points that most people probably would've already picked up from reading the actual chapters in the Bible. And by basic, I mean things like: staying away from temptation, speaking in kindness, choosing friends wisely, needing to trust God, helping the poor, etc. Rather than providing new perspectives on any of these things, the author just stressed the importance of doing them over and over again, and the benefits of doing so (which, like, yes, but also doing these things should ultimately stem from loving God, not just the benefits here on earth). Her simplistic writing style became more problematic in chapters where more nuanced topics were discussed, such as relating to mental health. It came across in a very black-and-white way, which conveyed the sense that the author can't relate or empathize with those struggles.
Basically? If you're reading Proverbs, you're better off just reading the actual book from the Bible than reading this one. It doesn't really add anything new....more
Amanda Dykes is an incredibly gifted writer in the way she can consistently deliver compelling stories wrapped up in lyrical prose that speak of the hAmanda Dykes is an incredibly gifted writer in the way she can consistently deliver compelling stories wrapped up in lyrical prose that speak of the healing, peace, and hope that can be found through Christ. The sense that comes with reading one of her books is like standing atop a pinnacle and being able to glimpse the world beyond, seeing everything work out for good amidst the inevitable pain and heartbreak, tinted with a sense of wonder. And this book is no exception.
Throughout Born of Gilded Mountains, we follow two characters, priorly pen-pals, now grown into women who have experienced too much pain to remain the same idealistic children they were back then. Not quite jaded, but close. Rusty Bright, abandoned by the two people she cared the most about, seeks isolation, and Marybeth Spatts, bearing the guilt of her father's decline after a mining accident, seeks a career where she can lose herself. The restoration of their friendship, despite facing their respective traumas, and the efforts to right the wrongs of the past are what ultimately give this story a more hopeful tone and move them both toward gradual healing.
The mystery of finding a lost railcar and the letters on board kept the plot moving forward, but even then, Dykes balanced the "clue" scenes with slower, character-development scenes. It was like finding unexpected treasure scattered throughout the plot. Scenes like Willa and the lullaby, Casey speaking of Cal, Hudson and the letter destined for seventeen-year-old him. Admittedly, those hit me harder than anything that occurred plot-wise, because they felt so real and a testament to the healing that's soul-deep and goes beyond anything the world could offer.
In terms of romance, this book stands alone amongst Dykes' stories as one that doesn't feature romance as a prominent subplot. It's there, but barely. And while I love Dykes' romances and the depth they contain (despite being slightly idealistic at points), I appreciated the attention given to the process of restoring a friendship changed by time and misunderstandings. It evoked a bittersweet sense of nostalgia that I think is true of friendships in real life as well—sometimes we can feel like life moves too fast, and somehow along the way we've lost ourselves, lost the people we were in childhood when we were younger, when everything felt easier. But then we're pulled back to the present, where we scarcely recognize ourselves, let alone the friendships we've valued, but the encouragement that this book offers is that different doesn't necessarily equate to lost. That though those people may have changed, and so have those friendships, they don't have to slip away altogether. They can heal, they can grow, they can become something new in time.
Needless to say, this book carries such a beautiful message, and Dykes' heart for healing and redemption in the everyday ways shines strongly all the way through. While I got slightly confused by all the characters, certain points in the mystery felt a trifle too convenient, and the dialogue & humor felt forced at times—hence why I rated it a four stars, rather than a five—all those things didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story too much, and I'm sure some of the logistical details could be clarified through a re-read.
Overall, another strong story from Dykes!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. ...more
A short, heartfelt little story with an interesting cast of characters and a writing style that's vaguely reminiscent of coming-of-age classics. I simA short, heartfelt little story with an interesting cast of characters and a writing style that's vaguely reminiscent of coming-of-age classics. I simultaneously found Lucy endearing and annoying (particularly her character changes), and while the plot progressed relatively slowly and the ending was a trifle too idealistic for me, I enjoyed the author's honest portrayal of the emotions associated with adjusting to a new family situation.
She felt as if her happiness were bubbling up and running over the top of her heart, like a pot forgotten on a stovetop. Nothing would ever be the same again, and she didn't want it to be. She had never before known what the world could be like. ...more
I cried reading this book, probably for the wrong reasons.
Regardless, it was very heartfelt, and the fact that the author could take the true experieI cried reading this book, probably for the wrong reasons.
Regardless, it was very heartfelt, and the fact that the author could take the true experiences of his life and turn them into something simultaneously packed with wisdom and the confused emotions of childhood naivete makes me want to write a memoir of my own one day.
I stared into Mr. Sheep Sheep's eyes and wondered if he was still alive in there, or if the journey—all the ugliness he'd seen—had killed the light in him. ...more
Written in an engaging and developed writing style, this short read depicts the highs and lows of ranching life in a way that feels realistic and grouWritten in an engaging and developed writing style, this short read depicts the highs and lows of ranching life in a way that feels realistic and grounded.
While following some of the more logistical parts of the story was a bit difficult for me, I appreciated the clear stakes and the accurate depiction of social anxiety—a struggle I haven't seen represented in fiction very often. Though my circumstances are different than Nora's, I found I could relate to her on an emotional level. I also liked how realistic the ending was—there's not an amazing change of events, however, doors still opened for her in different ways than expected, which is true to real life and a very timely reminder.
Overall, I was very impressed with this story!...more
When the endorsements on the back said this is a slow-burn love story ... they meant it.
This story is advertised as a romance, and while the relationWhen the endorsements on the back said this is a slow-burn love story ... they meant it.
This story is advertised as a romance, and while the relationship between Joy Davidman and C. S. Lewis certainly plays a big part in the plot, I was pleasantly surprised by how much time was spent on Joy's personal spiritual journey. She is gently and simultaneously portrayed as both resilient and intellectual, flawed and frustrated with her human nature. I was surprised to find I resonated with her character again and again, despite our situations looking nothing alike.
Overlooking some pacing issues, and some character inconsistencies, I overall enjoyed this book—not just for the romance and the way it was handled with maturity, but also because of the representation of Joy's personal spiritual journey and the realizations she had about God and her own faith....more
This is one of those stories that you can tell is a personal "heart story" for the author—and not just because she basically says that in the author's note. ...more
THE STAR THAT ALWAYS STAYS is a beautifully-written story exploring themes of identity, true courage, and family.
The main character, Norvia, started THE STAR THAT ALWAYS STAYS is a beautifully-written story exploring themes of identity, true courage, and family.
The main character, Norvia, started off as extremely sympathetic. I could relate to her perpetual state of overthinking, frequent social anxiety, and sensitivity, so right off the bat, I was rooting for her to adjust to the multitude of changes in her life.
I appreciated the author's subtle, L. M. Montgomery-style of storytelling, which paired well with the main character and her delicacy. Johnson also did a wonderful job breaking the mold with step-family stereotypes in fiction, showing the contrast between healthy and unhealthy relationships and how step-families are not always evil despite what Disney tells us. (Who knew?)
While this isn't what I'd personally classify as a heavy read, there are a lot of tense relationships and adjusting that really moved the story along. There were also moments that literally made me tear up, possibly due to the fact that I was very emotionally invested in these characters.
(Also, Vernon. LOVE HIM.)
Overall, a beautiful read displaying the complication of family dynamics and adjusting to things life throws at us all. Would highly recommend.
(Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own)...more
This is a book that's meant to be digested, slowly, chapter by chapter, to really let everything sink in. C. S. Lewis presents the fundamental truths This is a book that's meant to be digested, slowly, chapter by chapter, to really let everything sink in. C. S. Lewis presents the fundamental truths of Christianity in a simple, conversational manner and practical metaphors that even decades later still ring true. His style of explaining things in such a blunt, straightforward manner was so relatable at times—there were multiple times where I literally stopped and thought to myself, "he's such a kindred spirit." XD
I started this book at the beginning of this year and just now remembered I never finished it (thank you, Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ)- but wow. When I got to the last chapter, I was literally getting emotional because the truths Lewis expressed in the latter half of the book were so timely for me. God really used it in this rough season of my life to give me a fresh perspective, and I'm grateful.
A clean, Christian suspense novel. While I didn't find the characters or writing style very unique, I appreciated the clear Christian elements and howA clean, Christian suspense novel. While I didn't find the characters or writing style very unique, I appreciated the clear Christian elements and how the mystery came together in a way I did not see coming at all.
I don't really read much in this genre, so I don't have much to compare it to, but overall, I enjoyed this fast-paced read.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ...more
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